Volvo Ocean Race - Team Vestas Wind prepare to head for Cape Town
by Team Vestas Wind on 12 Oct 2014
Team Vestas Wind in Alicante. Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
One of the most well-known legs of the Volvo Ocean Race is about to be taken on by seven one-design boats – this will be a race of tactics and decision making.
At 6,487 nautical miles, it’s also one of the longest legs on the race, the second longest to be exact. Heading due south though isn’t on the cards and just leaving the Mediterranean can prove to be a challenge in itself.
As we leave Alicante, the changeable autumn whether in the Mediterranean means we might not be sailing too far before we have to start making tough decisions. Indeed, with the winds expected to ease, it may even be difficult to read the wind channels and make it out of the Strait of Gibraltar in the first place!
Once we hit the Atlantic though, we’ll be making our way towards the waypoint at the islands of Fernando de Noronha, 354km off the Brazilian coast. Chopping and changing between Trade Winds and Doldrums, we’ll cross the equator (celebrating King Neptune, of course!), and round Fernando de Noronha.
From there it’s all about contemplating the St Helena High and making it to a usually windy Cape Town.
Team Vestas Wind Skipper Chris Nicholson sees it as a tactical leg and a chance to catch up: 'We hope for a consistent result in Cape Town – anywhere on the podium would be great – but this one’s all about reducing the deficit with the other Team Vestas Wind
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